Digital Extremes Ltd.

Digital Extremes' physical workplace is rated as above-average. Located in London's historic downtown, the head office is located inside one of the city's tallest buildings and is only a short walk to beautiful historic neighbourhoods, the trendy Richmond Row shopping area and the central Victoria Park that offers numerous summer festivals and an outdoor skating rink under the Christmas lights during the winter months. Inside, the head office features an employee lounge (with comfortable seating, music, television, video games, vintage arcade games, magazines, library, pool table, dart board; and outdoor balcony with great city view); nap room; secure bicycle parking; free parking; onsite fitness facility as well as a food court on the main floor of the building; free dinners for employees working late; free coffee and tea; free snacks available, including fresh fruit, granola bars, potato chips, cookies and rice cakes.

Digital Extremes' work atmosphere is rated as above-average. On the job, employees enjoy casual dress daily; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams; organized social events. The employee social committee (called the Fun Brigade) organizes a variety of social events throughout the year, including a Christmas party, summer barbeque, product launch parties, an Oktoberfest lunch, and periodic pub nights and dinners. Every year, the company sponsors a variety of fun sports activities, including employee dodgeball, indoor soccer, field hockey and even paintball. Digital Extremes captures feedback and keeps employees informed about new developments through a corporate intranet site; traditional suggestion box; email suggestion box.

Digital Extremes' financial benefits are rated as very good. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. In addition to paying competitive compensation rates, the company provides signing bonuses for some employees; new employee referral bonuses (to $1,000 for some positions); year-end bonuses for all employees; year-end bonuses (to $40,000); profit-sharing plan for all employees; matching RSP contributions; life & disability insurance; discounted games.

Digital Extremes' health and family benefits are rated as above-average. The company's benefit plan is managed by Great West Life. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. Employees who work 20 hours per week receive coverage. The waiting period for new employees is 90 days. Employees receive full family coverage on the health benefits plan. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($250 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance; healthclub subsidy (to $300 each year). The company's $300 fitness club subsidy may also be directed to a variety of healthy activities, from personal trainer services to recreational hockey league fees. Digital Extremes' family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 80% of salary for 24 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 100% of salary for 2 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 100% of salary for 2 weeks). Additional family-friendly benefits include; flexible working hours; telecommuting; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay).

Digital Extremes' vacation and personal time-off are rated as very good. New employees receive 2 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 2 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 4 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 5 personal days off each year, as needed. During the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 5 days off. Employees receive 5 paid sick days every year. (Vacation jumps to 4 weeks after only 4 years on-the-job).

Digital Extremes' employee engagement program is rated as very good. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 6 months. Managers receive training in how to conduct effective performance reviews. Performance feedback is also solicited from co-workers and other managers familiar with each employee's work. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. The company celebrated project completions with pub nights, bowling or a evening at the movies. In addition, project completion bonuses may also be part of the celebration. Digital Extremes sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 6 months); Digital Extremes hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 12 months).

Digital Extremes' training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. In addition to generous tuition subsidies (with no set annual maximum), the company supports ongoing education with subsidies for professional accreditations; financial bonuses for course completions; in-house training programs; online training programs; new employee orientation program; financial bonuses for project completions (to $1,000).

Digital Extremes' community involvement program is rated as very good. The company directs it charitable support to a number of local initiatives. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. Approximately 10 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. To encourage employee giving, Digital Extremes offers matching donations for employees giving to their favourite charities. Closer to home, the company and its employees also spends much time speaking to and supporting local high school and university students who are interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry.